Wow, autumn has barely started and it looks like we are already heading into cold and flu season! Whether it's sniffles and cough, the full-on chilly achey flu, or that seasonal “crud” that just won’t seem to go away, cold and flu season can take a lot of the fun out of this beautiful time of year.So why not head some of those sick-days off at the pass? Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your kids from “whatever is going around” this season:

Sambucus (Elderberry). Sambucus, also known as Elderberry, is an amazing botanical medicine! Elderberry has been used for centuries to stop and prevent viral flu’s and colds. Elderberry contains the flavonoids quercetin and rutin (strong anti-inflammatory nutrients), and multiple anthocyanins (which act as powerful antioxidants). In addition, Elderberry contains constituents that attack the “spikes” on the outside of viruses, which are the sticky velcro-like projections viruses use to get inside our cells. Without these spikes, viruses can’t get in, and so even if we get exposed to a virus, Elderberry can neutralize the virus and help keep us from getting sick.

All that, plus it’s delicious! A spoonful of Elderberry syrup once per day during cold and flu season can help your whole family stay healthy and well, or help your sick ones finally kick the “crud.”

Avoid food allergens. This is a hard one, especially for parents. But if there are any foods that you or your child are sensitive to - common culprits are gluten, dairy, citrus, soy, sugar, and corn - try to be extra careful to avoid those things during cold and flu season.

There are several theories as to why this can reduce infections or speed up recovery during cold and flu season.

When your gastrointestinal tract is inflamed and irritated from a food that you’re sensitive to, the immune system may become taxed, making you more susceptible to the viruses that cause colds and flu.

Having a digestive system that is chronically stressed may also prevent absorption of important nutrients, leading to deficiencies in the vitamins and minerals your immune system relies on to function effectively.

Chronic inflammation may also cause the body to use up the antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and other important factors that help the body both recover from illness and prevent susceptibility to it in the first place.

Do your self or your child a favor and take a break from all those irritating foods this season!

Homeopathy. We have so many great remedies for cold and flu! Here are some of the most common remedies we use, and the indications for each:

Aconite: For high fever that comes on suddenly, often after exposure to cold & wind (aka that day you forgot to bring your sweater!). The person can be restless, anxious, and thirsty for lots of cold water. In kids we can use this for very high fever that comes on suddenly, often in the middle of the night.

Gelsemium: This is a very common flu remedies. It’s used for people who feel weak, shivery, sleepy, achey, chilly, and clumsy. They tend to have a headache and may have a dry mouth, but they don’t want to drink fluids. People who need gelsemium often want to be left alone. This flu comes on slowly, over several hours.

Pulsatilla: This is one of the most common remedies used for a cough that keeps kids up all night. Kids (and adults) who need pulsatilla will be warm, wanting fresh air, irritable and clingy, wanting lots of reassurance from parents. They will often be thirstless and refuse fluids, even when they have a fever.

Want to know more? Check out this great video put out by the National Center for Homeopathy:

Don't let colds and flu take the fun out of autumn! Check in with your local homeopath or naturopathic doctor for more ways to keep yourself and your family happy and healthy this year.

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​This blog is intended for educational purposes only.Information expressed herein does not constitute medical advice and in no way should be used as a substitute for the advice and attention of a qualified medical practitioner.

While many states offer regular medical licensing to naturopathic physicians, Michigan does not currently offer licensure to naturopathic doctors. I am licensed as a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) in the State of Vermont. In Michigan, until our licensing bill is passed, naturopathic medicine is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease and is not intended as a substitute for regular medical care. Because of this I work locally under the title Naturopathic Health Consultant.